Petition Tag - minority

Nobody would have thought that in less than two years of setting up of the first Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre (ISLRTC) for the Hearing-Impaired, plans would be afoot to shut it down. But that is what seems to be happening at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) campus here.

Vice-Chancellor M. Aslam has publicly announced that t there was no point in continuing with the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Sign Language Studies (BAASLS) program.

The Macedonian-speaking population in Greece is indigenous to the land, and their Macedonian language holds an vital place in their hearts and minds. However, the people cannot defend themselves from the Greek government's assimilation policies alone. For over 100 years, the Greek language has been forcibly imposed on us, and the state has tried to bring our ancestral linguistic heritage to extinction.

Linguistic diversity is an important part of the diversity of life. When a language is threatened, it also threatens the cultural traditions and social fabric of local communities, making the world more fragile, more vulnerable, and less hopeful for the future.

Article 22 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union states that “The Union shall respect cultural, religious and linguistic diversity”.
The Charter was proclaimed in 2000 and has become legally binding on the EU with the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, in December 2009.

Article 3.3 of the Treaty of the European Union stipulates that “(…) The Union shall respect its rich cultural and linguistic diversity and shall ensure that Europe’s cultural heritage is safeguarded and enhanced.”

PETITION PRAYING FOR DECLARING “JAIN RELIGION”, IN INDIA AS RELIGIOUS MINORITY AT PAR WITH FIVE OTHER RELIGIOUS MINORITY COMMUNITIES OF INDIA UNDER PART 2 (C) OF NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR MINORITIES ACT, 1992 AND AMEND THE ARTICLE 25. 2(B) OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA FOR SEPARATE RELIGIOUS STATUS TO JAIN RELIGION.

This petition will serve as a notice to the MBTA (Mass Bay Transit Authority) of the growing dissatisfaction of the many single parents that have small children and no help to care for them.

The hours that the Authority requires us to work are usually before any childcare facilities open, and we are also required to work hours long after any childcare facilities is open. Also the inconsistencies by which we are forced to live our lives on a 3-4 month ever changing schedule, holiday schedule, school vacation schedule etc, is unrealistic. No one person or daycare facility would be able to support such an inconsistent, unpredictable schedule.

Being subjected to the stress regarding childcare and having no reliable consistent help, many single parents are being forced out of their jobs and this needs to stop. The MBTA needs to recognize their growing diversified workforce which includes many single parents, predominantly African American women, and address these scheduling conflicts immediately.

The UCR Child Development Center released a letter to families participating in the subsidized child care program in mid April 2011. The program has provided more than a 70% reduction to low income families to allow their children the opportunity to a quality education in a safe and nurturing environment – an opportunity that most of the families would not have otherwise had.

The letter stated the subsidized program will no longer be offered to faculty and staff families (student staff will remain on the program) effective June 2011 giving the families less than two months to come up with an alternative plan for their children.

If action is not taken these families will not have the quality child care needed to continue to nourish their children’s education and social skills.

This petition represents a united effort to preserve the localized and diverse audio programming services provided free of charge to the Hispanic D.C. metropolitan public by the station WDCN-LP, known affectionately over the air as “La Nueva 87.7," and simulcasted on WDCO-LP to Maryland's Eastern Shore.

There are nearly 900,000 Hispanics in the D.C. metro area, and over *300,000 of these reside in Maryland. Thousands of these residents are tuning into WDCN-LP programming every day. When simulcasting begins on WDCO-LP, many more thousands will be listening on the Eastern Shore. With the growth of the Spanish-speaking population across the US, and especially in the metro markets like D.C., businesses and business opportunities are growing even in a recessionary market, for those ready to serve this minority community.

This minority voice in Maryland, Virginia and the District exists because at the same time that full power TV stations were required to convert to digital last summer, low power stations (LPTVs) in the thousands have been allowed to continue broadcasting in analog. This provided a unique opportunity for the over 150 Channel 6 LPTVs across the nation to maximize public service. Since the channel 6 audio signal is received at 87.7 on most FM radios, millions of listeners can be served instead of the fractional viewing audience that might be interested in solely “rabbit ears” television programming. Local, religious, and minority populations have been enjoying new representation on the airwaves.

Regrettably, the Federal Communications Commission’s September 17, 2010 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking calls for a mandatory shutoff date for LPTV analog transmissions in 2012. This would permanently silence the local minority voice of WDCN-LP in Maryland, Virginia and the District.

For 86 years, the city of New Port Richey on the Gulf Coast of Florida has exploited American Indian culture and spirituality to sell an 11-day food fest and carnival called the Chasco Fiesta.

They put on a pageant in which children dressed as Florida Indians made stabbing motions into the chests of children dressed as Spaniards, showed Indians practicing human sacrifice, and showed a Spanish priest teaching Indians how to plant corn, squash and other crops, while the priest calls the Indians savages, pagans and heathens. The happy ending of this pageant? The Indians spared two white children making them their King and Queen, then convert to Christianity.

And why are there no Florida Indians today? The Chasco Fiesta brochure says when their benevolent white rulers died, the Indians reverted to human sacrifice, so God killed them all: men, women and children--with hurricanes, not Spanish genocide and disease. The pageant ended only when local citizens took the mayor and the president of the local Chamber of Commerce to court. Also ended were these activities in the Children's Indian Village: "Pin the Tail on the Drunken Indian," and "Find the Buried Treasure in the Miniature Indian Burial Mounds in the Big Sandbox."

What remains is the Krewe of Chasco, more than 300 white local civic and business leaders who dress up in authentic, sacred Indian regalia purchased at great cost, so they can appear in nine regional parades as a living advertisement to the Chasco Fiesta in late March. They are the only krewe in Florida that dresses like an ethnic minority that is not made up of a majority from that group--in fact, they pay a Seminole $5000 to stand on their float--the going price for betraying your heritage here.

Peter Matthiessen, author of several books on American Indians, calls the Krewe of Chasco one of the greatest insults to American Indians in the U.S. today. When the Florida American Indian Movement (AIM) and local citizens protested the float, the Krewe president told a Chamber of Commerce luncheon, "I want you all to buy guns and kill AIM--I'll bury them for free." He owns a funeral home.

On their website now closed to outsiders, one of their photos showed a drunken blonde woman wearing a sacred Plains Indian headdress with the caption, "Even Squaws can be Braves in the Krewe of Chasco"--apparently unaware that the word "squaw" is as insulting as the n-word to African Americans. On their float to "honor" Florida Indians as their non-profit charter says, they have a big brown fort representing the power of the military in destroying American Indians, a canoe and a drum from the Northeast, totem poles from the Northwest--and one paid Florida Indian.

Each year, the city of New Port Richey and the Pasco County Commission uses taxpayer money to rent the float for this private club--$21,000. Letters, lawsuits, protests, arrests and local petitions signed by more than 100 city residents have not been successful. Anyone who cares about American Indians who is considering a visit to this area should reconsider, and let the local governments know why. To freeze American Indians as they were a century ago, and to act as though they do not exist in modern-day American society is shameful.

No American would consider dressing up like blacks, or Roman Catholics, or Jews if they do not belong to that group--why then dress up like American Indians?

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, ARE IN SUPPORT OF A CALL FOR PLEBISCITE ON SEPARATION OF THE REPUBLIKA SRPSKA FROM BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

We, the people of Republika Srpska, do have Christian way of life as the rest of the Europe and with such values we desire to join integration into European community.

Serbian people desire to bring into European community from our own perspective, respect for all with ingredients which will benefit man kind. We do not want to be any part of any integration which would create a melting pot whereby we would as a nation simply disappear. Present status fully warrants our concerns. To prevent this occurrence, it is necessary first to integrate our own, Serbian people, and than join the community.

People of Republika Srpska desire to egress from present union, which is forcefully created, against everyone's will.

Here are some reasons for definite desire to leave union of BH.
Totally opposite interpretation of resent war - friction.

With no respect for law, and with no legal ground Federation side has entered into lawsuit with neighbor Serbia, whereby they are in fact suing ourselves. All is done at their own initiative without any regard for our objections. It is simply job creation for themselves.

State symbols do not represent our way of life, our culture, our history, they simply, mean absolutely nothing to people of Republika Srpska. They are forced upon everyone living in Republika Srpska.

Centralizing government means all laws all taxes, all economic power will simply be in the hands of majority, which will do at will. Certainly not for benefit of Republika Srpska, since present and past had shown this track record.

Central power, will at will, as a majority, support Al Kaida basses as it has done in the past as well as present. Terrorism is not our way of life and newer has been. Terrorism will, as we all know destabilize region.

Centralizing power, from constitutive people will make us apsolute minority. On the same token in Kosovo from the minority, they are given nationality.

So far, union of BH has shown that no democratic economy can prosper. Present election as is and as it is controlled form outside, has show that no true representative of the people for the people is ever elected. This situation is placing people into position of absolute distrust with its so called leaders.

From above points, which are in brief, we believe that you can see clearly that peace in this region will not last for long, peace which you and us desire and respect so much. Therefore, we believe that you will respect and recommend fulfillment of basic human rights of Serbian people, and its desire for self determination, which is tide to its freedom and liberty.

We are informing you further of the fact that our organization "Serbian Peoples Movement - Choice is Ours" which is not associated with any government, have collected all ready over 40,000 (forty thousand) signatures. With this number of signature collected from citizens of Republika Srpska, in very short period of times, we have clearly indicated definite desire of Serbian people to leave union of BH. People have clearly understood that it can not and will not build its own future with antequated arabic sheriats law which is in place now here - but it has been banned in entire western civilization.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch
with our organization.

Imran Rashid, a 28 year old British-born Muslim from Middlesbrough has been unlawfully captured and incarcerated in a mental hospital without any reason or warning. The hospital has shown no interest in Imran’s welfare and safety and are holding him against his wish, in order to punish him in pursuit of their vendetta against him.

They show little empathy, overrule and dismiss his feelings. Imran’s life is in danger and the power to help rescue and save him is in your hands, so please help by signing this petition.

The hospital medical team are of no comfort or assistance, Imran has no trust in anyone of them and is requesting immediate removal to some where neutral and safe, both Imran and the family feel those responsible for his care and treatment are bias and discriminatory and could be danger to Imran’s life by provoking him into committing suicide. His human rights are not valued and the family has been offered little or no support. The hospital atmosphere is unwelcoming as staff give the impression they are superior, authoritarian and powerful. The family is very concerned about the threats made by the hospital that “Imran will never be released”.

This case is well known by all agencies and black professionals, who instead of helping, are simply passing it on to other agencies, wrongly assuming that it does not concern them or their professional remits. The family feel helpless and powerless in the face of institutional conspiracy and bias by the NHS Mental Health Trust which has little or no knowledge and understanding of mental health needs of Ethnic Minority and Muslim patients. Even the government is aware of the failure and inadequate treatment and service provisions for BME Communities in England (04 October 2006 Black & Minority Mental Health report).

Please Help! Can you imagine what you would feel and do if your loved one was locked-up in a mental institution, without any reason, or any independent support & representation – What would you do if your plea for help fell on deaf ears whilst the world just stood by watching your pain & suffering? Parents & friends of Imran Rashid have launched a campaign for “JUSTICE FOR IMRAN” and are humbly requesting your help and support.

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, ARE IN SUPPORT OF A CALL FOR PLEBISCITE
ON SEPARATION OF THE REPUBLIKA SRPSKA FROM BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

We, the people of Republika Srpska, do have Christian way of life as the rest of the Europe and with such values we desire to join integration into European community.

Serbian people desire to bring into European community from our own perspective, respect for all with ingredients which will benefit man kind. We do not want to be any part of any integration which would create a melting pot whereby we would as a nation simply disappear. Present status fully warrants our concerns. To prevent this occurrence, it is necessary first to integrate our own, Serbian people, and than join the community.

People of Republika Srpska desire to egress from present union, which is forcefully created, against everyone's will.

Here are some reasons for definite desire to leave union of BH.
Totally opposite interpretation of resent war - friction.

With no respect for law, and with no legal ground Federation side has entered into lawsuit with neighbor Serbia, whereby they are in fact suing ourselves. All is done at their own initiative without any regard for our objections. It is simply job creation for themselves.

State symbols do not represent our way of life, our culture, our history, they simply, mean absolutely nothing to people of Republika Srpska. They are forced upon everyone living in Republika Srpska.

Centralizing government means all laws all taxes, all economic power will simply be in the hands of majority, which will do at will. Certainly not for benefit of Republika Srpska, since present and past had shown this track record.

Central power, will at will, as a majority, support Al Kaida basses as it has done in the past as well as present. Terrorism is not our way of life and newer has been. Terrorism will, as we all know destabilize region.

Centralizing power, from constitutive people will make us apsolute minority. On the same token in Kosovo from the minority, they are given nationality.

So far, union of BH has shown that no democratic economy can prosper. Present election as is and as it is controlled form outside, has show that no true representative of the people for the people is ever elected. This situation is placing people into position of absolute distrust with its so called leaders.

From above points, which are in brief, we believe that you can see clearly that peace in this region will not last for long, peace which you and us desire and respect so much. Therefore, we believe that you will respect and recommend fulfillment of basic human rights of Serbian people, and its desire for self determination, which is tide to its freedom and liberty.

We are informing you further of the fact that our organization "Serbian Peoples Movement - Choice is Ours" which is not associated with any government, have collected all ready over 40,000 (forty thousand) signatures. With this number of signature collected from citizens of Republika Srpska, in very short period of times, we have clearly indicated definite desire of Serbian people to leave union of BH. People have clearly understood that it can not and will not build its own future with antequated arabic sheriats law which is in place now here - but it has been banned in entire western civilization.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch
with our organization.

As stated in the Globe and Mail, on Thursday April 28th, 2005, the honourable Stephen Harper will move to bring a no-confidence vote against the liberal government in the following month. Such an action has dire consequences for both Canadian Democracy, and the faith one has in Canadian Politics.

Although this faith has been repeatedly shattered, given the claims of corruption brought forth in regards to the sponsership scandal and the Gomery inquiry, forcing an election prior to the release of the report would undermine Canadian's ability to judge for themselves whether the Liberal government has lost the 'moral authority' to govern. While there is much anger with the Liberal Government, in Quebec and throughout Canada, for the sake of democracy, Canadians must be able to judge for themselves the scope of the injustice of the sponsership scandal. As a result, an election should not be forced until the Gomery Report has been produced.

Secondly, such an election would be a waste of both time that lawmakers could spend doing their job, as well as of the taxpayers money. Millions were lost in the sponsership scandal, but just how many more millions would be lost in an election that would produce near-identical results as the previous one. It is highly doubtful that given the divided support of Canadians an election would result in anything other than another minority government. As a result, it would be likley that such an election would produce a conservative or liberal minority government to be toppled once again a year or so after its formation. In other words, the question must arise, "Why must an election be held now?"

It is obvious that the Conservative Party's answer to this is that the liberal government has lost all moral authority to govern. However, this sponsership scandal is hardly new to this minority government, as it was equally an issue in the previous federal election of 2004. The only change is the production of the Gomery report revealing the details of the scandal. And that is exactly why the federal election should wait until at the very least the entire report has been released. Let the Canadian people see for themselves the details of the corruption first hand. There should be no reason for the Canadian people to have to rely on the media's point of view of the Gomery inquiry. It should be released to the public PRIOR to any move for a federal election.

Finally, in June 2004, the Canadian people expressed their wish to have a divided parliament. There was no clear majority, which proves to the legistlature that the Canadian people are divided. The Canadian elected the LIBERAL party as GOVERNING party, the CONSERVATIVE party as OPPOSITION, and both the NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY and PARTI BLOC QUEBECOIS as significant but smaller OPPOSITION parties. Therefore, each of these parties should work towards comprimises which BEST REFLECT the WILL of the Canadian People. A Minority Parliament is an expression of the Canadain People's desire for comprimise.

Indonesian new VP (Jusuf Kalla) said and published in the "Sinar Harapan" daily 12th October 2004, that Chinese minority in Indonesia had 2 choices:

1. To be discriminated against,

2. To have their property burnt (referring to May 1998 riot).

He also made remarks referring to May 1998 riot that the tragedy was due to wide gap in income between indigenous and Chinese minority, which is totally wrong. The tragedy was yet to be investigated properly as it was believed to be orchestrated by some anti-Chinese groups in the country. By saying, that he also justify the violence against Chinese minority and encourage such sentiment to flourish again.

The influence of television has greatly effected the way youths today think. Minority athletes are publicized more and they are greatly influencing the younger generation.

Tennis has become a very popular sport for young minorities, especially with the popularity of the William sisters. Yes, there have been others before them but these sisters have given new hope to a more vocal and can do generation.

The resources are here, we just need to make sure that they are well maintained. On Front Street there are numerous tennis courts and they can be reserved. There is also an unused tennis court at Harris Park. The only problem with the court at Harris Park is that it needs resurfacing. There are still barriers that need to be broken. Minorities are somewhat intimidated by the uptown park and would feel more comfortable in a more familiar setting.

It takes time to properly build self esteem, and a familiar setting helps the process. The resurgence of an old park would bring back some old memories as well as starting new ones. Remember the old saying "Let's put the spark back in Harris Park".

Children deserve the chance to experience new things. For some it is a chance to something new for others it could be a tool used to open a new door. Many children today are either running the streets or hanging around the house eating and not exercising. They are getting lazy, heavy and very disrespectful.

Tennis lessons offer; structured guidance, physical endurance, the chance to meet new people, and really learn a new sport. Tennis lessons are also available for older youths and adults. Your signature and cooperation are greatly appreciated.

The free speech rights of Howard Stern are being violated by the US Government via the FCC. Since Howard came out against George W. Bush he is being made a target of a secret investigation by Michael Powell's FCC. Howard has elected to support John Kerry on the air but Kerry has already spoken against Howard when Kerry said Clear Channel was right to pull Howard's show from 6 markets. While it is a top priority to get Bush out of office, Kerry may be just as bad unless we the people (and Sterns fans)can convince him in advance of the election to come out against the FCC or at least for Howard's free speech rights. The FCC should not be able to decide what is indecent for us to listen to on the radio in the morning. Those who support taking that minor pleasure from us are wrong-headed and controlling and will eventually destroy our constitution and country with their minority holier than thou attitudes. They are winning the fight but we have not lost the war. Please sign and distribute this petition which will tell Kerry how many registered voters will vote for Nader if Kerry doesn't comply. It seems like the least we could ask of him as we swing the election in his favor.

I will send to Kerry and the DNC the following message along with the petition:

John Kerry, the undersigned petitioners are registered voters or promise they will register to vote in the November election. These voters are adult fans of Howard Stern and are concerned that the right to free speech in our country is being violated by a vocal minority. John Kerry these people pledge to give you our votes but only if prior to the election you take a stand to eliminate the FCC or drastically cut back it's ability to control the "content" of our airwaves. You should realize that a small number of people organize groups of their followers to duplicate complaints and sway the FCC (not to mention advertisers and broadcasters) to penalize broadcasters for barely adult content. The Howard Stern show is certainly not "obscene" and "indecent" is such an arguable word that a court should decide, not a group of politically appointed officials ruling the FCC. John Kerry, if you care about the constitution, you will make this minor step and take a stand in support of Howard's right to do his show and speak his mind.

So the choice is yours, make the pledge and get the votes that will guarantee your victory or don't and know that the votes could go to Ralph Nader and that may cost you the election. The First Amendments right to free speech is so important that every candidate should be speaking out in support of it but instead the opposite is happening.